Recently Valve Corporation unveiled its new hybrid console called Steam Deck, inspired by the design of a PC, and which has already sold more than a million copies before the official market launch, scheduled for the end of 2021 or the beginning of. 2024.
The whole world talked about this new device, paragonandolo a Nintendo Switch for the similarities that are easily found in its design, wondering if it is to give it competition and being fascinated by the descriptions its developers have provided in each interview.
While you've probably heard of this long-awaited product, you may not know very well what the new handheld console offers. For this and more, today we invite you to discover this new device and we will inform you about the operating system included in the Steam Deck.
Which operating system will have the Steam Deck by default?
Like any other device, Steam Deck comes with a default operating system responsible for all its internal processes and the execution of every program - the Steam Deck developers have included the SteamOS 3.0 operating system, coming from Linux.
This operating system is based on the Debian 8 system, which is practically open, so it allows us to install almost any type of application (this is also due to Proton, part of the system compatibility that turns any Windows game into Linux to be accepted by the steam deck).
Linux is free software (not owned by any owner), open source, safe, practical and available for any type of IT device.
It is one of the operating systems most used in Worldwide, preferred for its graphical interface, multitasking system, compatibility and a wide variety of distributions.
However, it does not escape the limits. And in the case of Steam, it doesn't have room for all of its programs, as it guarantees compatibility with any game only and exclusively from the Steam catalog, such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Red Dead Redemption 2.
That is, with SteamOS you will not have access to games not belonging to the Steam store, which excludes the most acclaimed games, such as Call Of Duty, Legue Of Legends and Minecraft.
Among other games not compatible with this operating system, despite Proton, ci sono The Legends Of Zelda, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate e Monster Hunter Rise.
But we don't have to worry too much. Fortunately for everyone, Steam Deck allows you to integrate a totally different operating system into the console, allowing much more freedom to the device.
Is Steam Deck compatible with Linux?
The Steam Deck operating system it is based on Linux, official distributor of Steam programs, so any Linux program will work fine on this console.
The latest version of SteamOS (SteamOS 3.0, as we said before), is powered by Arch Linux (open source software designed for advanced devices) which allows faster updates and optimizes each of its functions or programs.
Is there a possibility to add another operating system to the Steam Deck?
It is very common that, both on a Smartphone and on a computer, we have to adapt to the operating system that the devices have integrated. But this is not the case with the Steam Deck.
As we have already mentioned, something that we absolutely must highlight on the Steam Deck is the possibility of installing another operating system, because the Steam Deck is designed pretty much like a computer, thus allowing the installation of any type of software.
This means that by replacing your operating system with some version of Windows (available up to Windows 10 for consoles), we can easily use Xbox Game Pass or Epic Game Store programs. This is not possible with Steam Deck's default operating system.
It should be remembered that, despite the comparisons between Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, both consoles are completely different in terms of capacity and operation and it is prudent to consider their differences before purchasing any of the products.
